Pitt’s 2017 Season Scheduled is out…

PITTSBURGH—Pitt’s 2017 football schedule was unveiled today by the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Panthers’ 12-game slate features eight teams that advanced to the postseason, including four that finished in the Top 25.

Pitt will play seven games at Heinz Field. Under Coach Pat Narduzzi, the Panthers went 6-1 at Heinz last season, matching their best home record since the stadium opened in 2001. The home slate highlights:

Perennial Big 12 contender Oklahoma State, which finished No. 11 in the final polls after a 10-3 season, makes its first visit to Pittsburgh on Sept. 16.

A Thursday primetime spotlight will shine on Heinz Field when the Panthers play ACC Coastal Division foe North Carolina on Nov. 9. The game will be nationally televised by either ESPN or ESPN2.

In a game that could have Coastal championship implications, Pitt will host Miami on Friday, Nov. 24. The Hurricanes finished last season with a No. 20 Associated Press ranking.

Atlantic Division opponent NC State will visit Pittsburgh (Oct. 14) for the first time in 30 years. The Panthers also host annual Coastal foe Virginia (Oct. 28).

Pitt will open the 2017 season against Youngstown State (Sept. 2), which advanced to the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) title game last season. Additionally, the Panthers will host Rice on Sept. 30.

Pitt will play five road games starting with a Sept. 9 visit to Keystone rival Penn State. The Panthers’ 42-39 triumph last year over the eventual Big Ten champions was hailed as perhaps the most exciting game in the history of the storied series.

The balance of the road schedule includes four ACC games: Sept. 23 at Georgia Tech, Oct. 7 at Syracuse, Oct. 21 at Duke and Nov. 18 at 2016 Coastal champ Virginia Tech.

Narduzzi has directed Pitt to eight regular-season wins in each of his first two years, something the Panthers had not achieved since 2008-09. In his two seasons as Pitt head coach, he owns a 16-10 overall mark and 11-5 record in the ACC, a league widely considered the nation’s best at the conclusion of the 2016 campaign.

“There is always great anticipation from players, coaches and certainly fans when it comes to seeing the new schedule,” Narduzzi said. “With the games finally announced, I can promise you it will be highly visible throughout our practice facility this offseason. We want it to be a constant reminder of the twelve challenges and opportunities we have this fall.”

Current Pitt football season-ticket holders now have the opportunity to renew their seats for the 2017 season. The renewal deadline is March 2 and convenient payment plans are once again available. Ticket packages are now available to current season-ticket holders, Panther Club members, Pitt faculty and staff, University of Pittsburgh alumni and 2016 mini-package holders.

Tickets can be purchased by calling (800) 643-PITT (7488) or online at PittsburghPanthers.com. Season-ticket sales will be open to the general public on February 8 and can be purchased for as little as $30 per month.

I would expect PSU and OK State to be top 10 when we play them. Syracuse, VaTech and Virginia should all be better than last year. NC and Miami might see a little drop off from last year – both lose good QBs. Should be a fun season.

I’m not big fan of November schedule. Thursday nite in November could be rather cold. Miami terrible on Friday after thanksgiving for those of us who travel 3-31/2 hours one way with family all home for holiday. I’ll enjoy sept and October games H2p

Why would Dixon be laughing? I’m pretty sure that after spending so many years at Pitt, he doesn’t wish the team, which is made up of players that he recruited, any ill will. Other coaches like Huggins, yeah, probably laughing and I don’t blame him. Embarrassing.

Go NP – retweet by HCPN:
Draft Analyst ‏@DraftAnalyst1 5h5 hours ago
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Nate Peterman/QB/Pitt showing good accuracy on short/intermediate throws and to the sideline. Best QB on the field so far today. #SeniorBowl

I have been taping the BB games lately because of family events. This is great time saving as I can go through a game in minutes. Obviously I will do this the rest of the season. This was the worst Pitt BB game I have seen in 54 years.

Dixon recruited these players and understandable they quit. Dixon quit four years ago and Stallings came into a bad program that is in need a total rebuild/ Start it now and dump these losers tonight. thanks for the contribution and good luck.

Seriously guys. Not to argue but you don’t think Jamie started this downward facing dog a few years ago?

This isn’t Stalling’s mess. This group is spoiled rotten and selfish as hell. Give the shoe man a chance. If that’s what you want to call him. It was Jamie who sold this program down the river. He couldn’t and didn’t want to deal with the ACC and it got worse after Gallagher took away his steve. Face the facts boys… ike

Curious why Stallings didn’t look to the football team for a physical player as as stopgap…Julius Peppers from UNC and Tony Gonzalez on the Chiefs come to mind…are there no current Pitt footballers who could have helped out?

PN completely evaded OC question. Said that pass defense has to improve (no Kidding) He said everyone plays man-to-man, but said there were zone concepts also being used. He brought up the fact that they faced four of Top rated QBs and four top rated WRs. Happy with recruiting but still have work to do … he is in Baltimore right now.